Recognizing and Avoiding Faulty Reasoning

Although logical reasoning is essential to solving any problem, whether simple or complex, you need to go one step further to make sure that an argument hasn’t been compromised by faulty reasoning. Here are some of the most common missteps—referred to as logical fallacies or flaws in reasoning—that people make in their use of logic:

high-impact practice 2

Write and Reflect

Tempted to Use a Logical Fallacy?

Have you ever used a logical fallacy to justify decisions you have made? In looking back, did your flawed argument convince anyone that you were right? Why or why not? Describe your experiences in a journal entry.

image
Logic That Just Doesn’t Fly
This cartoon presents an obvious example of faulty reasoning. Some conversations or arguments tend to include reasoning like this. Can you think of a similarly illogical leap that someone used in an argument with you? Did you use critical thinking to counter it, or did your emotions get the best of you?
© Randy Glasbergen